Publisher's Summary

Bessel van der Kolk, MD, explores the ways in which trauma rewires the brain and changes the way people experience the world. Trauma affects the mind and body immensely and prevents those affected from living in the present. Van der Kolk, who has researched trauma since the 1970s, first became interested in trauma after meeting with Vietnam veterans who had a very hard time living their lives after returning from the war.

PLEASE NOTE: This is key takeaways of the book and NOT the original book.

This review is better structured and more clear than others. It is still no substitute for the book. As it and other reviews have noted it is written for lay readers and perhaps targeting those who have experienced or know someone who has experienced trauma. This is a significant percentage of our society. The point that the reviews seem to miss is that if a person has experienced or been exposed to those with trauma, the tools in part three of the book are most useful in providing options for treatment, useful therapy, and a sense of hope that one can move past trauma and properly integrate memories and traumatic experience in a way that allows a peaceful and functional life that can be filled with intimacy and joy in family and friends. Helping people process trauma and live productive lives brings great value to individuals and societies. The book original book is written in a manner that is therapeutic and a way that can provide hope and a way to move from trauma to the light. The review, though useful as a starting, is more like looking at the reflection of the moon in the pond when you can see its full beauty by looking into the sky. Please read the original, it is well worth the time invested. However, I have found that in sharing it with friends, some are not able to easily process the material because it causes memories of their own trauma to surface. I recommend reading slowly and using the tools discussed in the text.

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Cammy

14/08/17

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"Not worth paying for a very short summary"

What disappointed you about The Body Keeps the Score?

A very basic summary which can easily be obtained for free on the internet

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Disappointment

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